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COLD PAINTING ON GLASS TECHNIQUE

The following is a summary of the techniques I use to apply enamels to glass without firing them on (cold applied)

The paints I use are called "Sign Painters One Shot", which is the brand name of an enamel paint used in industry for signs, autos, anything which requires intense color and durability. The paints are also known as "Japan Paints". They can be purchased in any major city in the USA, usually in sign painters supply shops, or auto paint speciality shops. Look in the Yellow Pages for the sign painters supply shop nearest you.

These paints have the characteristics of excellent adhesion,(they have been used by sign painters for lettering on glass for decades) Incredible covering ability, (hence the name "One Shot") durability, (hence their use on outdoor signs and autos) and archival quality.

The drawbacks are that these paints are toxic in formulation, and as such should not be used where children may get their hands (and mouths) on them, either the raw paints or the finished products. Good ventilation is a must when working with these paints, (or any paints for that matter). Since these paints are not fired on, they can be scraped off with sharp implements, and so painted objects should be handled with care. They may be cleaned with window cleaner, but NEVER use solvents of any kind, nor should the pieces be allowed to be immersed in any cleaners or water. These pieces should be considered PAINTINGS on glass, and not glass itself.

These paints form a skin after the can has been opened. To use simply remove and discard the skin, mix the paint if necessary, and begin. It is wise to put the paints into smaller jars so that the repeated removal of the skin before painting doesnÕt become a huge waste of paint.

The principles of using these paints on glass are as follows:

The glass upon which the paints are to be applied must be absolutely grease free. Use window cleaner, alcohol straight or with water, or a de-greasing solvent.
Once the glass has been cleaned, you must not touch it until you are completely finished painting the piece.
An exception to rule #2 is that you may select a spot on the glass which you can touch in order to turn and move the piece while you paint it. Then when the rest of the piece is finished painting, you can clean that spot and finish painting it.
While it is not absolutely necessary, you can, by sandblasting or frosting the surface of the glass, create a painted surface which for all intent and purposes can be placed outside. By adding tooth to the glass, the paints adherence to the glass is multiplied greatly.
When cold painting, it is best to paint in large areas, which act as anchors for the paint. It is best not to place small details out in the middle of nowhere, so to speak. That is, small dots placed on the surface of the glass will have a tendency to be brushed off easily, whereas large blocks of paint will tend to adhere strongly and resist abrasion.
The paint is formulated to flow off the brush much like watercolor, but is more viscous than watercolor. After the paint leaves the brush, it lays on the surface of the glass (even if it is vertical) and the brushstrokes disappear, leaving a smooth, mirror-like surface.
The paint begins to skin over in 5 to 10 minutes, and so makes blending at that point impossible. If something you have painted is not to your satisfaction, wait for the paint to dry, preferably overnight, and then paint over it.
The technique of "Scraffito" is easily accomplished with these paints by simply painting over a previously cured painted surface, and after a few minutes, use a wooden tool to carefully scrape a fine line through the top coat of paint to reveal the color underneath.
The best brushes to use are watercolor type brushes, (sable) although some people like to use hog bristle brushes (oil paint brushes) to accentuate the brushmarks. Sign painters quills (made from squirrel hair) are also excellent. they hold a large charge of paint, and the paint flows smoothly onto the surface of the piece from the brush.

These are some basic principles for cold painting on glass. It is a learn as you go process, and the subtlies will become evident to you only as you work. There is only so much you can discover by reading and listening to others, so use this guide and start yourself on the road of discovery and enjoyment.